The University of Wolverhampton’s School of Performing Arts has secured £10,000 to improve access to arts and culture for Walsall residents. The funds have been secured through Arts Council England (ACE) for the Walsall Cultural Compact, which was established in October 2020 with an initial grant from the same organisation.
The additional money will allow the University to further develop the project and potential new investment and resources for culture and creativity. The School of Performing Arts, based at the University’s Walsall Campus, led on establishing the project which includes partners such as Walsall Council, the New Art Gallery, Urban Hax, Creative Black Country and Black Country Dance Hub amongst others.
Dr Sarah Browne, Head of the School of Performing Arts at the University, said: “The key stakeholders on the Compact set aims and objectives focused on improving access to arts and culture for every resident in Walsall and these aims sit alongside the town regeneration plan.
“We are delighted to have been awarded an additional grant from ACE to focus on audience development plus the incorporation of additional Compact stakeholders from the health and business sectors. This additional support will allow the Compact to move from strength-to-strength as we seek to focus our efforts further, particularly in the post-Covid climate.
“It will also help us work to encourage a wider range of voices on the Compact including representatives from the private and healthcare sectors.”
